Troy Aikman gives his take on controversial non-call in NFC Championship, overtime rules

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FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 file photo, Troy Aikman watches warm ups before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. Thursday night football is here to stay, even if it's gone for the rest of 2018. In past years, some make that many would have said "good riddance." That would be misguided this year. First off, Fox's presentation generally was strong and on target. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)

Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback and FOX game analyst Troy Aikman joined The Musers on KTCK 96.7 FM/1310 AM The Ticket on Wednesday to talk all things NFL and Cowboys. Here are some of the highlights:

On controversial non-call in the NFC Championship game?

Aikman: "I thought there was a flag on the play. I was shocked. Throughout the game, the officials really let both teams play, which in a lot of ways was a good thing. Especially in a season where it seemed like every single snap there was a flag flown on the ground. That was good, but on that particular play... I just think sometimes these officials, especially when you get into the late part of the game and that certainly was under two minutes, there's a reservation of not wanting to throw the flag that affects the outcome of a game. But that was clearly a penalty. It was pass interference or even a hit on a defenseless receiver. It really is a shame that's what we're talking about.

"We spend far too much time each Monday talking about the officials. Somehow they have to address it, they got to clean it up.

"When you have instant replay and there is still as much controversy as there ever has been, and in some ways more controversy. I do not remember discussing the officials' calls as much as we have."

Will the NFL ever make the pass inference penalty reviewable?

Aikman: "There's no more penal penalty in football than pass interference because of the amount of yards that get picked up. So if there's ever a penalty that should be reviewable, that for sure changes the outcome of a lot of games, it's that one."

Aikman: "I don't like the college overtime rules. When I watch the college game and it goes into overtime, it just seems ridiculous to me. Teams are already basically in field goal range.

"I wasn't really that much in favor of the changes that were made a few years ago to the NFL overtime rules. I felt at the time that defense is a part of the game, just like offense is. But I understand it.

"Essentially, the reason the rule was changed is because teams were able to go down the field and kick a field goal and win the game. And I think there probably should be a modification to say even the team that wins the coin toss scores a touchdown, the other team gets an opportunity. That seems rather logical. If they can't match it then the game is over. I would not be surprised if that happens."

On Kellen Moore possibly being offensive coordinator

Aikman: "I don't know a lot about what he knows in terms of football and all that, but I'm sure he's a really bright guy, and I'm sure he has a great future in coaching.

"I do believe the toughest job in football is being offensive coordinator. Rarely do you hear of fans and critics questioning the defensive call. When there's a mistake on defense it's usually because of the player and when there's poor performance on offense it's the offensive coordinator."